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Sunday, 30 June 2013

TLFG: 1-7 July 2013

Welcome back to TLFG after our annual six-week close season break. I hope you're well as we head into the pre-season friendly err... season.

It's always an exciting time as clubs cobble together strange and sometimes fantasy match-ups that could never be considered during normal competition.

However, I have to report that my joy at approaching this time of year has been tempered greatly by some very sad news.

As regular readers might remember, I missed out on several matches towards the end of last season to spend time with a 'seriously ill relative'. That relative was my mother who sadly passed away the day after my last piece went up.

Thrilled by my success with Non-League Day (NLD) and excited by how this blog seemed to be growing, she was a big supporter of things I have tried to do in the world of football despite not being much of a fan herself.

Hopefully NLD and TLFG have great years ahead of them and she can continue to be proud from somewhere else.

You could argue it was a bit of annus horribilis for me with her death coming the day after QPR's final game in the Premier League but relegation really does pale into insignificance against that kind of backdrop.

I should also point out at this juncture that I've decided to let my season-ticket go because of work commitments. Last season I managed to get to only two games between January and May and look like being able to see a maximum of six between now and Christmas if I'm lucky so I can't justify it.

On the positive side, I'm pleased to say that Mike and the rest of the NLD team, infused with new volunteers, have been doing a grand job over the last few weeks and we're nicely positioned ahead of the release of the first tranche of non-league fixtures.

If you missed it, NLD is taking place on Saturday 7 September so put it in your diaries now.

So back to those pre-season games.

The first week of July is when things gradually get going so there's not a huge amount happening but there's enough to be going on with.

I've picked out a few games that look particularly noteworthy and listed ticket details for some big games at the big clubs but they're still more than a month away.

Right that's enough from me, let me know what you've been up to. New for this season - if you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then let me know. Also keep the correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

By my calculations there are set to be 18 matches in the London area this week. However, this number could change as friendlies, particularly involving non-league teams, are often arranged, cancelled or have their venue changed at quite short notice. Therefore, always check with clubs before you travel. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG FEATURED FOUR

1. Welling United v Charlton Athletic - last season was a memorable one for the Wings as they claimed the Conference South title. Now back in the top tier of non-league football after a 13-year absence and a having survived a winding-up order from HMRC in 2010, it's an exciting time to be a Welling fan. On Saturday they welcome local Championship club Charlton for what should be a keenly contested south-east London derby. (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Dartford v AFC Wimbledon - just down the road from Welling we have this game between fellow Conference Premier side Dartford and the Dons from League Two. The Darts enjoyed a solid season in this division last year following promotion, while Wimbledon only just avoided returning to non-league circles after a nervous final day win over Fleetwood Town. So with only 12 places separating them in the end of season tables, this one should be pretty close. (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. Bromley v Gillingham - it certainly looks like south-east London is the place to be on Saturday when it comes to eye-catching friendlies. Conference South club Bromley didn't have such a great campaign last time round, avoiding relegation by just four points. The Gills, however, took the League Two title by the same margin to move up to the third tier of English football. A good crowd is expected for this Kent derby. (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Wembley v Bedfont & Feltham - get yourself along to Vale Farm if you want to be part of an historic football event. Despite the famous name and sometimes controversial involvement in the FA Cup, Wembley aren't the team making headlines on this occasion. It's actually the visitors who are marking a special moment - yes, this is the newly formed Bedfont & Feltham's first ever game. If you're interested, check their website for details about their formation. (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Club info)

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

About Me

I'm a QPR fan and follower of Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League.
In 2010 I set up Non-League Day to help promote semi-professional and grassroots football. I'm hoping that TLFG will help provide a similar boost for football clubs around the capital.
I also worked at BBC Sport for 10 years before it relocated to Salford but decided not to go, such was my love of London.